Smith's Longspur is the hardest North American longspur to see well, breeding in remote tundra and wintering in tall fescue grasslands in a narrow band through the central US. The unique female-led polyandrous mating system — females mate with multiple males — is remarkable. Breeding males have bold white ear patches and warm buff underparts. It is rarely seen away from its specific winter habitat.
Habitat
Arctic tundra at treeline when breeding; tall-grass prairies from Oklahoma to Tennessee in winter
Diet
Seeds and insects
How common
Uncommon
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